Name: Crispy Air Fryer Calzones: Quick, Customizable & Kid-Friendly
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 package Pizza Dough (Store-bought or homemade); 1 cup Pizza Sauce (For moisture and flavor); 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella (Can substitute with provolone or cheddar); 1 cup Pepperoni (May substitute with cooked sausage, veggies, or other meats); 2 tablespoons Garlic Butter (Brush on top for flavor); 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (For added flavor)

As I stood in my kitchen, the scent of warm pizza dough danced through the air, reminding me of family gatherings filled with laughter. Today’s adventure centers around making irresistible Air Fryer Calzones filled with pepperoni and cheese, a quick meal that brings joy to dinner time in under 20 minutes. These golden, crispy pockets aren’t just a hit with kids; they offer a customizable canvas for your favorite fillings, making them ideal for any palate. Picture yourself cozying up to a family movie night, savoring the delightful crunch while dipping these savory calzones into your favorite sauce. Ready to elevate your cooking game and satisfy those cravings? Let’s dive in!

Why Air Fryer Calzones Will Wow You

Quick, effortless delight: These air fryer calzones come together in under 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute cravings.

Kid-friendly fun: Packed with cheesy goodness, kids will love customizing their own calzones with favorite fillings.

Healthier option: Using an air fryer means less oil, delivering crispy results that satisfy without the extra calories.

Versatile deliciousness: Customize your calzone with various fillings, from classic pepperoni to fresh veggies, to suit any taste.

Perfect for sharing: These crispy pockets are great for gatherings—serve them alongside a selection of dips, like pizza sauce or ranch, for a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy movie night or a quick family dinner, these calzones are sure to be a hit!

Air Fryer Calzone Ingredients

• Gather everything you need for delicious air fryer calzones filled with pepperoni and cheese.

For the Calzones

Pizza Dough – This forms the base; store-bought saves time, but homemade is a great choice for extra love.
Pizza Sauce – Essential for moisture and flavor; explore marinara or your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Shredded Mozzarella – Provides that melty, gooey goodness; feel free to swap it for provolone or cheddar for a twist.
Pepperoni – Adds savory delight and protein; substitute with cooked sausage, veggies, or your choice of meat for a personalized touch.

For Topping

Garlic Butter – Brush on top before air frying for a rich, garlicky flavor; it elevates your calzones to gourmet status!
Italian Seasoning – Sprinkle on top for an added layer of flavor; this step enhances your air fryer calzones beautifully.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Air Fryer Calzones

Step 1: Prep the Dough
Begin by dividing your pizza dough into four equal pieces. On a floured surface, roll each piece into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. Aim for a slightly thicker edge for easy handling. As you work, ensure the dough remains pliable and doesn’t stick to your work surface; this will make assembling your air fryer calzones a breeze.

Step 2: Add Filling
For each calzone, place a dollop of pizza sauce on one half of the dough circle. Spread it evenly, leaving a small border around the edge. Layer on a generous amount of shredded mozzarella, followed by a few slices of pepperoni. Finish with another sprinkle of mozzarella on top. This combination will ensure a deliciously cheesy filling that melts perfectly inside your air fryer calzones.

Step 3: Seal the Calzones
Carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, covering the filling entirely. Press the edges together firmly to seal, then crimp the edges using a fork for an extra secure closure. This step is essential to prevent any filling from escaping while air frying. Repeat with the remaining dough circles until all your air fryer calzones are prepared.

Step 4: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the calzones inside the basket, making sure they are spaced evenly apart to promote even cooking. Air fry for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn a beautiful golden brown color. Your air fryer calzones will emerge crispy and inviting!

Step 5: Enhance Flavor
While the calzones cook, melt a tablespoon of butter and mix in a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor. Once the calzones are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer, and brush the tops with the garlic butter mixture. This step enhances the aroma and offers a gourmet touch to your easy air fryer calzones, making them even more enticing.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Allow the calzones to cool slightly before serving, as the filling will be very hot. Serve them warm alongside additional pizza sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. These crispy pockets not only make for a delightful meal but are also perfect for sharing during movie nights or gatherings, bringing smiles to every face around the table.

What to Serve with Easy Air Fryer Calzones

Serve up a delightful spread that complements the irresistible crunch and gooey center of these calzones!

Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes adds a refreshing contrast and balances out the richness of the calzones.
Garlic Bread Sticks: The warm, buttery flavor of these breadsticks creates a cozy pairing that enhances the whole pizza experience, making each bite feel like a slice of heaven.
Pizza Dipping Sauces: Have a variety of dipping sauces on hand, like marinara, ranch, or garlic dip; they elevate those cheesy bites and allow for customizable flavors with each calzone.
Sautéed Veggies: A mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli sautéed in olive oil provides a warm, tender texture and vibrant colors that perfectly contrast the crispy calzone.
Baked Potato Wedges: Seasoned and crispy, these wedges add a hearty element to the meal, plus they’re perfect for dipping in sauces alongside your calzones.
Homemade Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch of coleslaw pairs beautifully with the warm, cheesy calzones, offering a nice flavor balance while being easy to prepare.
Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing drink like sparkling lemonade acts as a palate cleanser, enhancing the flavorful experience and keeping things lively during your meal.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note with warm, gooey cookies; they deliver a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the calzones and satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Calzones

Don’t Overfill: Keep fillings moderate to avoid leaks during cooking. A generous spoonful is enough to ensure that your air fryer calzones maintain their shape.
Seal Properly: Ensure all edges are tightly crimped to prevent the cheesy goodness from spilling out—the last thing you want is a mess in your air fryer!
Experiment with Cheese: Add different cheeses for unique flavors. Aside from mozzarella, combinations with cheddar or pepper jack can elevate your air fryer calzones to a new level of deliciousness.
Watch Cooking Time: Since air fryers can vary, check your calzones a minute or two before the recommended time to achieve that perfect golden color without burning.
Brush with Flavor: Elevate taste by brushing your calzones with garlic butter or olive oil before air frying for a crispy, flavorful finish that will wow everyone!
Cool Briefly: Allow calzones to cool for a couple of minutes post-cooking. This ensures you can enjoy the perfect melty texture without burning your mouth!

How to Store and Freeze Air Fryer Calzones

Fridge: Store cooked air fryer calzones in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness.

Freezer: Freeze uncooked calzones on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be kept for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the air frying time.

Reheating: To reheat leftover calzones, air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, until heated through, ensuring they stay deliciously crispy.

Labeling: If freezing, label the bags with the date and filling type. This makes it easier to grab and enjoy your air fryer calzones whenever you have a craving!

Make Ahead Options

These Air Fryer Calzones are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time on meal prep! You can prepare the calzones up to 24 hours in advance by assembling them in advance and storing them in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. Additionally, consider freezing the uncooked calzones; simply place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. With these make ahead options, you’ll enjoy delicious, crispy calzones without the last-minute rush!

Air Fryer Calzones Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize your air fryer calzones for a flavor explosion!

Veggie Delight: Swap pepperoni for your favorite sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a fresh twist.
Meat Lovers: Combine several meats such as cooked sausage, ham, and bacon for a bold flavor explosion that satisfies hearty appetites.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the filling for an inviting heat that spices things up!
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for a tangy uplift, or try a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar for depth.
Sweet Twist: For a dessert twist, fill the calzones with Nutella, fruits, or sweetened cream cheese—quickly transform dinner into a delightful treat!
Homemade Dough: Make the whole experience even more special by whipping up homemade pizza dough using this quick dough recipe, perfect for personalizing your calzones.
Herbed Dough: Mix in fresh herbs like basil or oregano into your dough for additional flavor that complements your filling beautifully.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pizza dough recipe if you’re looking to accommodate dietary needs; it works just as well in the air fryer!

Air Fryer Calzones Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right pizza dough?
Absolutely! For air fryer calzones, you can use either store-bought or homemade pizza dough. When selecting store-bought dough, look for brands that contain simple ingredients and avoid any that have preservatives. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade dough allows you to customize flavors and textures. I often recommend letting the dough rest for 10-15 minutes after taking it out of the fridge to make it easier to roll out.

How should I store leftover air fryer calzones?
To store cooked air fryer calzones, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before eating, reheat them in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to revive that delightful crispiness. A quick paper towel wrap can also help retain moisture without making the crust soggy.

Can I freeze uncooked calzones?
Yes! Freezing uncooked air fryer calzones is a fantastic way to have a quick meal ready to go. First, lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet without touching each other and freeze until solid. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer bag, making sure to label them with the date and filling type. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook them straight from frozen, adding about 3-5 extra minutes to the air frying time at 375°F.

What should I do if my calzones are leaking filling?
Very good question! If your air fryer calzones are leaking filling, it’s often due to overfilling. Make sure to leave about a half-inch border of dough without filling. Additionally, crimping the edges tightly with a fork is crucial. If leaks do occur, don’t fret! Just keep a watchful eye when cooking; you can use the air fryer’s built-in pan to catch any drips and avoid a mess.

Are air fryer calzones safe for kids with allergies?
Absolutely! Air fryer calzones can be a wonderful allergy-friendly meal option, depending on the ingredients used. To cater to allergies, such as dairy or gluten, swap out conventional pizza dough and cheese for gluten-free dough and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they meet dietary restrictions or allergies, and feel free to customize fillings to suit your family’s preferences.